#Taxpayer Money

[aci25]

This is what Israel is doing to Gaza

This isn’t some post-apocalyptic movie scene.

This is what Israel is doing to Gaza.

And US tax dollars are paying for it.

This has nothing to do with fighting Hamas.

Israel wants to make Gaza unlivable and ultimately expel Palestinians.

[eaglesnick]

Private Sector Good, Public Sector Bad?

The reigning ideological economic theory within the Conservative Party is, and has been ever since Margaret Thatcher came to power, that “markets know best”

This was made abundantly clear when Kwasi Kwateng, the Chancellor of Liz Truss’s short-lived government, dismissed anything resembling a “planned economy”. Rather, growth and economic success depended on:

“…the power of our treasured free-market economy to leverage private capital and unleash Britain’s unique entrepreneurial spirit to grow new industries." (The Conversation: 13/04/22)

The key words here are “to leverage private capital”. What this means in ordinary speech is to encourage private investors to participate financially in “projects that benefit the economy, society or the environment”.  This has resulted in private investors running (and in many cases, owning) most of our public utilities and services. But rather than “benefit the economy, society and environment" these private investors have devastated it.

Over the next few blogs I intend to look at various British/English public utilities and services and to see how they have fared under the private sector.  First up are the railways.

Britain’s railways are organised within a mishmash of private and public ownership, and has been described as “broken" and no longer fit for purpose.

“The UK's train network is not only one of the worst in Europe, it is also one of the most expensive.” (euronews: 20/05/21

This is no surprise given its complex and chaotic structure.   The railway tracks and rail network are owned and operated by Network Rail, which is a “non-departmental public body of the Department for Transport, (DFT) with no shareholders"

 Non-departmental public bodies are a strange entity. They are national or regional bodies that work independently of government, are not staffed by civil servants, and yet are still accountable to government ministers. It is the Secretary of State for Transport who sets the strategic direction of the railways, allocating funding, and it is the secretary of state  who has to approve major investments in the railway system.

The companies that operate the trains are privately owned and are either awarded franchises from the DFT, or they are “open access” operators that provide passenger services on a particular route or network, but with no exclusive rights enjoyed by franchise holders.

To complicate matters further, the actual trains, passenger carriages and railway wagons, known collectively as “rolling stock”, are owned by the rolling stock leasing companies” (ROSCOs) who lease out their stock to the privately owned rail operating companies.

Freight train operators are totally separate from passenger trains, have no contracts with government but do need permission from Network Rail to run their services.

For year 2022/23 the railways received £11.9bn of government funding and Network Rail has secured £27.5 bn of government funding over the next five years. In short, we the taxpayer invest heavily in our rail network which the private passenger, rolling stock and freight companies use to make a profit.

A 2019 report by the TUC found that:

“Rail firms have paid over £1bn to shareholders in the last 6 years.” (TUC: 02/01/2019)

In 2022 Avanti West Coast received a taxpayer subsidy of £343m, despite having the worst punctuality record amongst train operators and paying out £12m to its shareholders. Avanti West Coast is owned by First Group, who also own Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Great Western paid out the largest dividend in 2021/22, £33m, while South Western paid out  £13m. 

More recently:

“UK rail operator Govia awards $79m in dividends amid UK rail dissatisfaction.” (Railway Technology: 08/01/24)

Govia is largely foreign owned, the three largest shareholder companies being Australian, Spanish and French. In 2022 it was fined £23m “over financial irregularities" having failed to return £25m in taxpayer funding. Why on earth any government would want to go on subsidising such a company is beyond understanding, especially as the Transport Minister at the time said the company had:

“…committed an appalling breach of trust...behaviour was simply unacceptable and this penalty sends a clear message that the government, and taxpayers, will not stand for it." (BBC News: 17/03/22)

Clearly the minister (Grant Shapps) didn’t mean what he said as Govia is still operating trains two years later and still courting controversy

Turning to the train-leasing companies, we find:

“Profits of UK’s private train-leasing firms treble in a year. More than £400m paid in dividends in 2022-23 while rest of railway faced cuts and salary freezes.” (Guardian: 18/02/24)

These companies saw their profit margins rise to 41%, a profit that we as taxpayers and passengers pay for. It is estimated that "taxpayers are now effectively paying the £3.1bn spent last year on leasing trains.” To actually run a passenger rail service yet not own a single locomotive or passenger carriage is bazaar to say the very least.

Finding overall profit figures for freight train operators is a little more difficult but Colas Rail UK’s revenue in 2022 was £15,529m, up 17% on the previous year, an operating profit of £460m.

 Overall, taxpayer subsidies to the rail industry run at £6bn per year. However, these massive subsidies have not led to lower fares, an end to over-crowed trains, or an efficient service. According to TaxPayers Alliance 02/01/23) "rail subsidies cost taxpayers £1300 each by March 2023.” Meanwhile the private companies that operate the highly fragmented and disjointed system continue to reap profits and pay out dividends.

Maybe this would not be so bad if the British taxpayer subsidised dividend payouts went to British owned companies, but this is far from the case:

“According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, 70% of Britain’s railways are now under foreign ownership to some degree.” (CityA.M.: 11/01/17)

The figure of 70% foreign ownership is disputed, not least because some companies have gone bust since 2017, with five lines now being effectively run by the government as “operators of last resort.”  As the 1993 Railways Act forbids the UK state from running the railways these lines are likely to be franchised out to private firms in the future.

“…many foreign state-owned enterprises of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Hong Kong now run rail franchises in the UK." (The Standard: 11/05/23)

While other countries have no philosophical problem with running railways for the benefit of their citizens, and clearly have no qualms about investing state money in foreign ventures, the Conservative Party is ideologically opposed to state intervention in running UK public services and is vehemently opposed to setting up a UK sovereign wealth fund.

In summary, successive Tory governments have continued to pay taxpayers money into the coffers of private enterprise regardless of how efficient, honest or effective these firms are at providing an essential public service. Clearly, where the railways are concerned, they are not run to “benefit the economy, society and environment" but for the benefit and interests of private investors, in the mistaken Tory belief that private enterprise is always better than public stewardship despite evidence to the contrary.  

[whats-in-a-sentence]

If we liken a particle's mass to a person's fame, then the Higgs ocean is like the paparazzi: those who are unknown pass through the swarming photographers with ease, but famous politicians and movie stars have to push much harder to reach their destination.⁹

9. I thank Raphael Kasper for pointing out that this description is a variation on the prize-winning metaphor of Professor David Miller, submitted in response to British Science Minister William Waldegrave's challenge in 1993 to the British physics community to explain why taxpayer money should be spent on searching for the Higgs particle.

"The Fabric of the Cosmos" - Brian Greene

[tmarshconnors]

STOP HELPING UKRAINE!

The war between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for over a year now, and the West, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, has poured billions into military aid, equipment, and financial assistance for Ukraine. The argument has been that Ukraine needs our support to defend itself against Russian aggression, which, in theory, could pose a broader threat to Europe and even global security. But is this endless funding truly in the best interest of our nations? I argue that it is not.

Unintended Consequences: Economic Strain on the West

Let’s start with the practical issue: the economic toll on our countries. We are facing significant domestic challenges – from economic recessions and rising inflation to unemployment and energy crises. Yet, despite these struggles, billions of taxpayer dollars and pounds continue to flow out to fund a conflict halfway across the world.

Consider the impact on everyday citizens. Energy prices have skyrocketed, in part because of sanctions on Russian oil and gas, but also due to our funding of this seemingly never-ending conflict. Instead of investing in infrastructure, healthcare, or education at home, we’re propping up a country that, quite frankly, needs to take responsibility for its own survival.

What’s Really at Stake?

While it's easy to frame this war as a moral crusade against tyranny, it’s far more complex than that. Ukraine is not a perfect democracy, and its issues with corruption are well-documented. Are we truly supporting a nation based on democratic ideals, or are we merely caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war with Russia? Either way, the continued funneling of funds is draining resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

Moreover, the West has already armed Ukraine to the teeth, providing advanced weaponry and training. The Ukrainian military is now well-equipped to hold its own. So why are we still providing an endless cash flow? At what point do we say, "Enough is enough"?

Ukraine's Responsibility to Defend Itself

At some point, we must allow Ukraine to stand on its own two feet. Nations throughout history have had to fend for themselves in times of crisis, and Ukraine should be no exception. This is their fight, after all. If they wish to preserve their sovereignty and independence, it’s their duty to do so.

One might argue that cutting off funding would be abandoning Ukraine to a Russian takeover. But that's an oversimplified view. Ukraine has proven its resilience time and time again. They have the will to fight; what they now need is the determination to do so without relying on endless Western support. The question isn't whether they can defend themselves – it's whether they will if left to their own devices.

Western Nations Need to Prioritize Their Own Citizens

The well-being of our own citizens should always be our primary concern. Our governments are elected to serve ourinterests, not to act as the world's police force or charity. With millions struggling to make ends meet, is it really fair to continue sending our hard-earned money to a foreign conflict?

We need to refocus on issues that matter at home: rebuilding our economies, strengthening national security, and addressing the energy crisis. Instead of being distracted by far-off wars, let’s direct our efforts toward solving our domestic problems.

The Risk of Prolonging the Conflict

Finally, there's the risk that by continuing to fund Ukraine, we are merely prolonging the conflict. If both sides know that Western money and weapons will keep flowing, where's the incentive for peace? By stepping back, we encourage diplomatic solutions rather than an endless military stalemate.

It’s time for the West to rethink its role in the Russia-Ukraine war. While supporting Ukraine was initially seen as a moral and strategic necessity, the continued funding is proving to be more of a burden than a benefit. Ukraine has the means to defend itself. Now it must find the resolve to do so independently. Our priorities should shift back to addressing the needs of our citizens, and it's high time we let Ukraine face Russia on its own terms.

After all, every nation must ultimately be responsible for its own survival.

[eisho]

ونعم التربية

[trendynewsnow]

Uncovering Fraud in Pandemic Relief Funds: The Role of Private Citizens

Uncovering Fraud in Pandemic Relief Funds When J. Bryan Quesenberry first heard that the federal government was disbursing hundreds of billions of dollars to assist businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, a thought crossed his mind: “There’s bound to be fraud here. It’s inevitable.” Driven by this concern, he began examining a database of businesses that had received Paycheck Protection Program…

[nando161mando]

"School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona’s Budget."

[someguyiguess]

i love you USPS I love you NASA i love you taxpayer funded services that actually contribute positively to society i love you libraries i love you public transport

[roboe1]

In The News Today: 6/4/2024.

News Articles, US and World News, Politics, Video Posts and Commentary. This group of MN Somalian ‘refugees’ outsmarted the US and rigged their food aid scam trial like seasoned pros… This story involves a group of so-called poor, wayward “Somali refugees” who duped America and stole upwards of $240 million from hard-working US taxpayers over the years. Justice.gov: The Department of Justice…

[ivygorgon]

Please cut wasteful Pentagon spending now!

AN OPEN LETTER to THE PRESIDENT & U.S. CONGRESS

887 so far! Help us get to 1,000 signers!

I am a constituent who believes the failure to control wasteful Pentagon spending makes it harder to meet our country’s needs. The U.S. spends more on the military than any other country in the world, yet we repeatedly fail to spend the required amount of funds on food, housing, health care, and education that our communities need.

Recently, the DoD failed its audit for the sixth time in a row when it failed to account for $1.9 trillion―half its $3.8 trillion budget.

The Department of Defense is the only federal agency that has never passed a full audit and they didn’t even complete audits until 2018.

As your constituent, I am asking you to cut wasteful Defense spending in FY 2025 government funding bills.

Federal dollars that go to wasteful Department of Defense contracts are funds that do not go to meet human needs. One-third to one-half of the Pentagon budget goes to corporate military contractors that drastically price gouge the DoD by as much as 40%.

Trillions of dollars spent―and unaccounted for―undermine our security by preventing us from investing in the shared prosperity that comes from more housing, climate and public health protections, ending hunger, and more education.

Please cut wasteful Pentagon spending and invest that money in vulnerable communities.

▶ Created on April 22 by Jess Craven · 886 signers in the past 7 days

📱 Text SIGN PESFXZ to 50409

🤯 Liked it? Text FOLLOW JESSCRAVEN101 to 50409

[dibator]

Bad Deal for America, a look inside the games politicians are playing with America's money by Dr. David D. Schein

  BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA  An inside look into the games politicians are playing with America’s money by critically acclaimed author, Dr. David D. Schein  Released and published by the Claremont Management Group! The book is available worldwide in all formats Now a new audio book!!!  Bad Deal for America explores the high-stakes game U. S. politicians are playing with the taxpayers’ money. The…

[stopthewoke]

"Eleven states and D.C. offer taxpayer-funded health insurance to some immigrants without legal status." Thank you so much, bleeding heart liberals!!!

[head-post]

Zelensky’s adviser admits unprecedented level of corruption in Ukraine

A top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted the rampant corruption in Ukraine, with officials “stealing like there’s no tomorrow,” American Thinker reported.

In an anonymous conversation with Time magazine, Zelensky’s alleged top adviser claimed that his government’s efforts to eradicate corruption had proved ineffective. He noted that anti-corruption measures, including the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov and other officials, were implemented too late.

People are stealing like there’s no tomorrow.

The top aide reported that officials did not “feel any fear” of engaging in corruption as it took too long for the accused to be brought to justice. For example, Reznikov and others were fired only six months after Zelensky was warned that the defence minister had been taking bribes.

American taxpayers’ dollars are not spent on military aid to Ukraine, but end up in the pockets of Ukrainian corrupt officials.

Read more HERE

[waydowntheriver]

Who’s with me?

[rodgermalcolmmitchell]

Is the problem cruelty, ignorance, or greed? You decide

We’ll begin with our usual reminders: 1. The U.S. federal government is not like state/local governments. It is uniquely Monetarily Sovereign, meaning it cannot unintentionally run short of its sovereign currency, the U.S. dollar. Unlike state/local governments, the federal government never spends “taxpayer money.” It creates new dollars ad hoc when it pays any bills. Even if the government…

[trendynewsnow]

Federal Investigation into Assembly Candidate Dao Yin for Alleged Fraud

Investigation into Assembly Candidate Dao Yin Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have initiated a criminal investigation into Dao Yin, a recent candidate for the New York State Assembly. He is under suspicion for allegedly employing fraudulent tactics, including the use of fake donors and forged signatures, to artificially boost his allocation of matching funds. This information has come to light…